Navigating workplace relationships can already be challenging, but what happens when you throw familial ties into the mix?
But family business success stories are not uncommon, and can be found all over the world. In our own backyard, there’s Nic & Wes Builders, a homegrown design-and-build company founded by power couple Brian and Jude Kow, both 63, that specialises in conceptualising, designing and building landed residential homes. Brian, who is the managing director, steers the entire business organisation and direction. Formerly a broker, he left his job in 1995 to venture into business and subsequently roped in his wife, Jude, who now acts as an advisor. Brian tells us, “She is a person with an artistic eye and is great with details.”
Their two children, Nicole, 36, and Wesley, 33, whom the company is also named after, have also jumped on board. Today, it has over 40 employees.
But the greatest achievement of all has to be the passion we put into creating beautiful ‘Lifestyle Homes’ as a business and allowing the family to work together, creating a closer family bond at the same time.
Brian Kow, managing director of Nic & Wes
Nicole made her foray into the business in the marketing department but has progressed to shadow Brian in the running of the company, from observing to refining company processes. Wesley, whose specialty lies in social media content creation through photography and videography, is also involved in the marketing aspect.
They tell The Weekly more about handling conflict within a family-run enterprise, the challenges and positive aspects of working together, and what the two generations have learnt from each other. Plus, we glean some home styling tips for sprucing up your space in a jiffy.